South West London girls' schools - advice please!

[Foxton]

Hi

My daughter is in Y5 at a good state primary, and we're gearing up for private secondary applications next year. She seems fairly academic, and as far as we can tell she should be able to get into a good school. The question is, where should we try? I'd like her to go to an academic school, but I'm worried about putting her in a very pressured environment.

I'd really appreciate any advice from people with recent first hand experience of any South/West London schools. I went to Godolphin (a long time ago) and had always thought I'd like my DD to go there too, but I don't know if it's still the same as it used to be. My sense is that all schools have become more high-pressure than they used to be - but maybe I'm just panicking a bit?

Very grateful for any thoughts.

St Pauls (bit too high pressured for my liking)
G & L still a great school
Latymer Upper (co-ed)
Putney or Wimbledon High (not my personal cup of tea but academic enough)
Lady Eleanor Holles (I am biased as that is where my dd is and she/we love it!)
I looked at all the above. We went for LEH which is very academic but they positively encourage/excel in music and sport which creates a better balance. Yes all the schools are more academic than they used to be which is why we loved the balance we feel leh has. Excellent bus service from all over London run with Hamptons boys school who they have very close links to. Again a good positive in my view.

You'll have to trek round all of them and get a feel. I really believe certain schools match certain children. Once you have your shortlist to visit one will/should just jump out at you! We could really see our daughter at Leh and although she got into G&L and St Pauls they just didn't seem right and she also chose LEH. Good luck the 11plus is hideous!

Whereabouts in SW London?

JAGS is impeccable academically, but I've heard mixed things about pastoral care. There's also Francis Holland, and the various GDST schools.

Your best bet is to go and visit them: they will all do well by an academic child. What else are you looking for? What sort of ethos would you value?

I would recommend Godolphin and Latymer and Francis Holland, though I only knew about the SW1 section which I presume is the one your after.

Again, based only on word of mouth I would avoid Queens Gate and Putney High.

Thanks for your replies. We're in the Sheen area so nearest schools of this type would probably be the Hammersmith ones and Putney High. What I liked about Godolphin when I was there was that it managed to be fairly relaxed and let you feel you had a voice at the same time as getting good results. I like the idea of schools that value individuality and can bring out the best in a person without stressing them out too much. Am I being totally unrealistic?

We had thought about Latymer as well. I'm interested in what you've heard about Putney High, Bambiandthumper? I think I've got a fairly good idea of how most of the local schools do in terms of results, and we will go to the open days when we can, but I don't know how easy it is to tell what it's actually like for the girls there. I don't want to put my DD into too competetive an environment if it's possible to avoid it.

We are also in Sheen. Do remember getting over the river is an absolute nightmare, even taking the (33?) bus. We have friends at Putney High junior and senior school and the general consensus is good academic results and pretty much nothing else unless you excel in another discipline (music or sports). So much so that a friend with a daughter had to enrol her in an outside athletics and swimming team just to get any real idea of team sports as she is merely average. The impression I get is these schools offer a very no frills education. I have heard slightly better things about Wimbledon High. Also heard very good things about Latymer Upper although it appears to suit a more alpha female.

My DD went to a state primary in Sheen too. She is now at G and L. She is loving it. I am completely certain it was the right choice for her,and for us. The decisions to be made in years 5 and 6 at primary school are really stressful for all parents, who are so anxious to make the right decision. However, I think it's a little like buying a house in that you have to trust your and your daughter's instinct.For us, LEH was too sporty and competitive although the amount of green space is lovely. DD thought the girls at St Pauls were too swotty for her. However, G and L was just right, academic yes, but arty and fun too!

G&L definitely still seems to have a good vibe about it from what you're all saying... My DD is not at all sporty or especially musical, but she likes dancing and art and drama. When I was at G&L the drama was good, and from what I can tell it has since become great, so that's a definite plus. Obviously it does have to be a personal match, but it does worry me how much you can pick up from an open day.

Moved away almost 20 years ago but I would say Putney High